The technical definition of a dildo is "an object shaped like an erect penis used for sexual stimulation." While many people tend use the words "dildo" and "vibrator" interchangeably, that's not technically correct. For example, a bullet vibrator is used obviously for sexual stimulation but as it's not phallic shaped (in the shape of a penis) it's not actually a dildo. While many dildos are vibrators in that they vibrate, many don't and so aren't vibrators. In this post, we outline some of the different dildo options on the market and how to get the most out of them.

Different Types of Dildo

Many dildos also vibrate and as such could be referred to as a dildo, a vibrator or a vibrating dildo. The benefit of a vibrating dildo is that once inserted, it delivers a vibrating internal massage to the rectum or G-spot / vagina depending on whether being used anally or vaginally. This contrasts with a non vibrating dildo which won't deliver any internal massage unless manually thrust in and out by the user to mimic the sensation of being penetrated during sex.

Dildos are very popular amongst lesbians as they enable them to enjoy the sensation of being penetrated without the need for a penis. Many lesbians particularly enjoy double ended dildos as they allow both partners to be simultaneously penetrated.

As the name suggests, double ended dildos are dildos with a dildo at each end. These are often referred to as lesbian dildos because they are widely used by lesbians with one end stimulating one partner and the other end stimulating the other. However, what isn't so widely known is that double ended dildos are also widely enjoyed by straight and gay couples alike. For example, two gay men can insert one end each anally or a straight couple could insert one end into the male partner's anus with the other end in his partner's vagina.

Another really great thing about double ended dildos is that they can double-job as double penetration dildos. Instead of inserting one end into yourself and the other into your partner, simply bend the second end around and back into yourself to enjoy some double-pen' fun!

A hollow dildo is a dildo that is hollow on the inside. This allows the wearer to insert his penis into the dildo. It has the effect of increasing the length and girth of his penis. Hollow dildos are popular amongst men who want to add a little extra length and girth to their penis in order to really satisfy their partner.

If you're looking for a more realistic experience, then an ejaculating dildo is worth a second look. Ejaculating dildos can be filled with water or lubricant which can be squirted from the dildo to mimic the sensation of being ejaculated on or in depending on your preference.

Strapon dildos are most widely associated with lesbians as lesbians certainly are big fans of strapons. However, many straight couples will make use of strapons with the lady using the strapon to peg her partner. This is where the lady penetrates the man with the strapon to stimulate his P-spot. You don't need to be gay to enjoy a nice prostate massage!

Suction cup dildos have a suction base that can be fixed to any solid smooth surface. For example, a hands-free dildo can be fixed to the bath, a shower wall, a chair, even a table. Once attached, the user can ride the dildo or if fixed to a wall, push your bum back into it to mimic doggy-style sex. The number of positions that are possible with a hands-free dildo is really only limited by your imagination!

Inflatable dildos really are a fantastic addition to your pleasure arsenal because you can change the size and girth of the dildo depending on your mood and state of arousal. Early on in the session, you may be feeling a little tight and not fully warmed up yet so may want to start out with the dildo only moderately inflated. As your arousal grows and you want a fuller sensation, give the pump a couple of squeezes and it will grow bigger - keep pumping until you get to the precise size and girth that suits you. Inflatable dildos are also great if you want to use the same dildo vaginally and anally. Many women will prefer a thicker, bigger shaft vaginally than what they can handle anally. The adjustable nature of the inflatable dildo is ideal in this instance. However, it is very important to thoroughly clean the dildo with an antibacterial sex toy cleaner when switching from anal to vaginal penetration to prevent spread of bacteria.

How to Use A Dildo

OK, so this is almost like being asked “how do I have sex?” Of course, there is no “right” way to use a dildo. That being said, I will try to give some pointers.

While of course you can certainly use a dildo without lube, we do really recommend using a nice lube to spice things up a bit and particularly if you are going to use the dildo anally. Simply rub a little lube onto the dildo and yourself before you begin and this will make the whole experience that bit more pleasant and sensual.

Finding the Perfect Position

The most popular position for masturbating is lying on your back and that works very well. When in this position, try bringing your knees up towards your chest which will make accessing your anus a lot easier for example. Many people find popping a pillow under their lower back helps them achieve a more pleasurable session so definitely experiment with this. As mentioned below, if you are lucky enough to own a dildo with a suction cup at the base, experiment with different positions by attaching the dildo to any solid surface; more on this below.

A lesser used but very enjoyable position is lying sideways on the bed, with the leg closer to the ceiling wrapped around the leg on the bed to expose the anus and/or vagina. The more adventurous might want to even try crouching on all fours in the doggy position and reaching around to penetrate themselves anally or vaginally as if being rodgered doggy style. As always, there is no one right position; experiment, try different options until you find the perfect one for you!

Start Slow & Build Up

As with regular sex, it is nice to start slow before building up the intensity of the session. Try massaging other erogenous zones on the body such as your nipples, clitoris / penis perhaps while you watch porn and get in the mood. The longer you can resist full penetration and the more foreplay you have, the stronger will be the ultimate climax.

A Good Old Fashioned Pummeling

Once you can hold out no longer, gently introduce the tip of the dildo into your vagina or anus. Rotate the dildo in a circular motion as you get used to the feeling of the toy inside you. As you grow more aroused, push the dildo deeper into you until you are ultimately thrusting in and out vigorously at the point of orgasm. Most women love to massage their clitoris with one hand while rodgering themselves while men of course enjoy doing likewise but with the dildo anally inserted while they masturbate their penis.

Sometimes Less is More

While a strong thrusting sensation that makes use of every last inch that the dildo has to offer is certainly very enjoyable, don’t feel obliged to use the full length of the dildo in every session. Remember that your G-spot is merely a couple of inches inside your vagina on the frontal wall so shallow insertion with the focus of the stimulation on your G-spot will also feel truly amazing! The same applies to men but men are looking to target their P-spot not their G-spot - check out our guide to prostate massage for more. For both men and women looking to target their P-spots and G-spots respectively, a curved tip on the dildo will help.

You Don’t Always Need to Thrust

While the instinctive reaction when alone with a dildo is to thrust it in and out of you until you come, there are other options to achieving a stunning orgasm. Try inserting the dildo and leaving it in place while you massage other erogenous zones such as the penis, nipples or clitoris. Just having this full feeling as your bring yourself to orgasm by focusing on other erogenous zones can be a whole new, pleasure filled experience; a vibrating dildo works best when used like this as will be delivering its vibrations deep within you even when you are doing no work yourself.

Add Other Toys!

Of course you can and will have stunning climaxes with just a dildo but the addition of some other toys in the same session can really push out the pleasure boundaries to uncharted territory. For example, women can use a dildo vaginally and that will feel great. But why not try adding a butt plug or anal beads and even a wand vibrator to massage the clitoris. This really is a mind-blowing pleasure cocktail, an absolute pleasure overload for your senses. For the guys, consider adding a male masturbator to the mix to suck your penis while you penetrate yourself with the dildo. The only drawback to adding all this pleasure at once is that you really won’t be able to hold on very long before utterly exploding in a violent toe clenching orgasm!

Try Anal

OK guys this bit isn’t really for you as, let’s face it, this is the only option you have so I am guessing you have figured out the joys of anal already :-) But many ladies are still toying with the idea of trying anal. Stop thinking about it - give it a go! Some love it and others don’t but find out what camp you’re in. Until you know, we don’t recommend investing in a double ended dildo as if you decide anal ain’t your thang, then you’ll be disappointed. Instead just use your regular dildo first. Lube is your friend when embarking on your anal exploits so use lots! As always some nice porn or naughty thoughts and even a little alcohol will help to loosen you up and get you in the mood; the bath is also a great place to try anal for the first time but if doing that, a silicone lube with thicker consistency is advised as opposed to a water based lube which will just wash away. When you’re turned on and lubed up, very gently introduce the tip of the dildo into your anus - Dildo: Anus, Anus: Dildo :-) Massage your clitoris with your fingers as you introduce the dildo still further into you. Finish out your first session to climax before taking stock as to whether you’re going to become an anal aficionado or you are somewhat averse to anal. If interested in learning more about anal, check out this guide to anal sex.

Consider Going Hands Free

This is probably a bit more for the experienced but if you’re looking to bring your play sessions to a new level and try something a little different, then this is the logical next step! As mentioned above, hands-free dildos have a suction cup on the base so can be fixed to any solid surface such as a bath, a wall, table, chair……..anything you can think of! This opens up a whole range of possibilities. For example when fixed to the wall push back into that and enjoy a right good doggy style rodgering. Fancy riding your dildo in the cowboy / cowgirl position, then try putting the dildo on the edge of the bath, one leg inside the bath and the other outside, sit down onto the dildo and, well, you know the rest! Be careful when doing this not to slip as the combination of lube, water and you getting uncontrollably excited can be treacherous so take care! The more adventurous may look at their kitchen tables through a different lens if you get what I’m saying ;-)

Use with a Partner

While dildos are of course fantastic for solo sessions, don’t banish them to the back of the underwear drawer when your partner is with you. A dildo can be a fantastic addition to sex sessions with a partner. For example if penetrating your lady partner vaginally in the doggy position, the dildo can be used to penetrate anally so that your oh so lucky partner is now enjoying a right good double-pen seeing to. Flip her into the missionary position, legs in the air, penetrate anally with your penis while she puts a dildo to work vaginally - as always, you are only limited by your imagination!

I really hope this guide was of some use and you can now go forth and explore new levels of pleasure!

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